Master of Social Sciences (Contemporary China Studies)

Programme Director: Prof MAK, King Sang

The Master of Social Sciences (Contemporary China Studies) is a multidisciplinary postgraduate coursework degree programme designed to meet the professional and practical needs of employees of government, non-profit organizations and private companies, as well as the educational needs of those new university graduates including local and international students who want to pursue postgraduate work in China studies or related fields. It may be pursued either as an end in itself or in preparation for further studies. The curriculum is designed to accomplish the following objectives:

To provide students with a critical understanding of contemporary China from political, historical, economic, geographical and sociological perspectives;

To sharpen students’ awareness of the complex relationships of historical, economic, geographical, political and sociological factors in China through a multi-disciplinary approach; and

To enhance students’ understanding of the processes of change which will shape the future relation between Hong Kong, the rest of China and the world.

Most courses are taught by a combination of lecture-discussions and seminars held on weekday evenings and/or Saturday mornings. Students can conduct independent projects under the guidance of their supervisors.

The structure of the curriculum is as follows:

I)

Required Courses

3 units

II)

Concentration/Field and Elective Courses

24 units

27 units

Requirements

In order to graduate, students must complete 27 units, including 1 required course, at least 3 courses from one Concentration/Field and 5 elective courses within the duration of the programme, and obtain:

Normally, one-year full-time students should complete the programme in one calendar year while two-year part-time students in two calendar years. With special permission a student may extend his or her study by one year.

* One to three from this group of courses will be offered by each Concentration/Field every year. Students can take no more than two courses from this group of elective courses, which are usually joint-class courses.

** Two of the four courses in respective Concentration will be offered alternatively every year.